Union Co. woman's memory kept alive at former school

An East Tennessee woman had one final wish involving a school she loved and the students who attend it.

Shirley Collins, 47, passed away in February from cancer. Her one goal was to help the former Union County High School, after years of financial difficulties for the entire school system. The school is now Horace Maynard Middle School.

"We looked at some 'media center applications' and we decided to move in this direction," Collin's "love of her life," Freddie Brasfield said before handing over a check for $50,000 Monday.

The money will be used to renovate the current library to an updated "media center."

"New carpet, new tables and chairs, and about 30 computers and 100 iPads," Brasfield said.

The Union County School System has had recent tough financial times when it comes to their budget. Leaders call the donation a "godsend."

"We're looking at something that would've been lower on the priority than textbooks or buses running, or any of those things that make the education system work," said Director of Schools Wayne Goforth.

The new library, with the money, will be called the "Shirley Collins Memorial Media Center." However, loved ones said it is not just about the name, it's about helping the students in a place the late Collins loved so much.